Swedish music reigns globally. Some of the best-known Swedish musicians of all time include ABBA, Avicii, Roxette, and Robyn. Zara Larsson and Mans Zelmerlow, a Eurovision winner, have also made a mark in the global musical industry.

So, why are these Swedish musicians able to make hits that resonate with fans worldwide?

Swedish music schools

Sweden is a small country. It has a population of around 9.9 million. Despite this, the education system enables musicians to thrive. The fact that music schools in the country receive public funding has also helped the young to join the industry and produce great hits.

The country runs a successful system known as municipal music education.

Swedish love for their role models

The Swedes love for their role models remains unmatched today. Over the years, they have demonstrated unparalleled love for some of their biggest stars in different genres. ABBA made a breakthrough in the music industry and since then more Swedish acts have followed suit.

Good English speakers

English is one of the three most spoken languages in the world. It ranks third behind Chinese and Spanish. For this reason, any individual or group that sings in English is likely to enjoy wide listenership globally. That’s what the Swede have done exceptionally well over the years.

English is the second most spoken language in Sweden.

Melody comes first

Swedish music focuses on melody first. In other places, such as the United States, lyrics receive more prominence. The country’s music prioritizes melodious tunes, especially feel-good melodies. Its music incorporates simple lyrics that everybody can understand.

Sweden’s love affair with the latest trends

H&M, Ikea and Spotify are three of the country’s well-known innovations. Similarly, the country has a progressive approach where music is concerned. It has no trouble keeping up with the latest trends in the music industry, as Avicii aptly demonstrated in recent times.

Effect of globalization

MTV had one of the biggest effects in Swedish music. It came into the country in 1987. MTV Europe showed more music videos from Swedish artists thus giving them the international exposure they needed to go to the next level. Since then, the artists have not looked back.

Love for the choirs

Most Swedish musicians start singing in choirs. The country’s choir union says that more than half-a-million Swedes are in choirs. The country has around 500 choirs, which is the highest per capita in the world.

The 1970s marked the start of the era of Swedish music.

The 1980s represented a period when the country’s music rocked.

The 1990s was a period when Swedish producers took center stage globally.